Election night got you tense? Time to dig into something comforting and forget the chaos for a while. These dishes—think rich casseroles, hearty pastas, and soups that hit just right—are here to help you kick back and let the stress melt away. Who needs a drink when you’ve got mac and cheese or chili pie on the table? Grab a fork, settle in, and let dinner be the one sure thing tonight.

A bowl of tomato and tortellini soup on a table.
Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.
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Farro Risotto

Farro Risotto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Farro risotto with white beans and chicken broth brings serious comfort, way more flavor than your average risotto, and makes a great stress-busting dinner when you need it most.
Get the Recipe: Farro Risotto

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet potato gnocchi with a quick bolognese sauce—perfect for a fall meal that’s filling and exactly what you need to unwind.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Mexican Ground Beef Casserole. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A cheesy, flavor-packed casserole with ground beef, tomatoes, peppers, and cauliflower rice. This one’s ready in 40 minutes, making it an easy win on a stressful night.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Ground Beef Casserole

Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Taco lasagna layers cheesy, creamy goodness in a Mexican-Italian mash-up. Simple to make and perfect for a night when you need something hearty and different.
Get the Recipe: Taco Lasagna

Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Sausage Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bell peppers stuffed with Italian sausage, spinach, rice, ricotta, and herbs, topped with a bit of parmesan. A solid, satisfying meal to keep your mind off everything else.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Peppers

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

A bowl of pasta with vegetables and cheese garnished with basil on a table next to a pepper mill and a linen napkin.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sun-dried tomato pasta with rigatoni, parmesan, and spinach. This meatless option takes under 30 minutes to make and serves up pure comfort for midweek dinner stress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Winter Vegetable Curry

Winter Vegetable Curry. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Loaded with butternut squash, cauliflower, kale, and chickpeas, this winter veggie curry is a great choice to fill up on flavor without missing the meat.
Get the Recipe: Winter Vegetable Curry

Thai Red Curry Soup

Thai Red Curry Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Quick and simple red curry Thai noodle soup ready in just 25 minutes. Great for when you want something bold and comforting without the takeout wait.
Get the Recipe: Thai Red Curry Soup

Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes

Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Rich and thick beef stew with red wine, loaded into baked potatoes. A perfect go-to for any cold night when you want hearty food that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Red Wine Beef Stew Stuffed Potatoes

Sausage Mac and Cheese

A bowl of macaroni and cheese with sausage and parsley.
Sausage Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with sausage mixed in. This one’s got velvety texture and that hit of flavor to keep you relaxed and happy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sweet potato mac and cheese with spinach and two kinds of cheese. Creamy and comforting with a bit of healthy mixed in, perfect for a night in.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

A bowl of chili with apples, beans and sour cream.
Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A not-so-typical chicken chili with apples, cheddar, and white beans. It’s a bit different, a bit creamy, and totally what fall nights are all about.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Apple Cheddar Chili

Chicken Sorrentino

Chicken sorrentino on a serving spoon.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Breaded chicken topped with prosciutto, eggplant, cheese, and baked in tomato sauce. This classic Italian dish is a great choice when you want something hearty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Turkey Chili Pie

Turkey chili pie in a skillet and serving bowls.
Turkey Chili Pie. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey chili with a cornbread topping all baked in one skillet. It’s leaner but still comforting, perfect for taking the edge off a long day.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Chili Pie

Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Twice baked spaghetti squash with breadcrumb topping.
Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spaghetti squash baked twice with spinach, artichokes, tomatoes, and cheese. It’s a veggie-loaded option that works as a side or meatless main to keep things easy and light.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash

Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Bucatini cacio e pepe in a bowl with a gold fork and a pepper mill off to the side.
Bucatini Cacio e Pepe. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bucatini cacio e pepe is a five-ingredient pasta that’s creamy, cheesy, and super simple. Perfect for when you want something straightforward and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini Cacio e Pepe

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Creamy tomato tortellini soup made in the Instant Pot in a bowl.
Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot tomato tortellini soup packed with creaminess, cheese, and bright basil flavor. Ready fast and great for a quick, comforting dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Buffalo chicken soup with orzo served in a bowl with blue cheese crumbles and green onion.
Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken soup with orzo, ready in just 30 minutes. For fans of buffalo wings, this soup brings the heat and comfort all in one bowl.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Orzo Soup

Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Butternut squash noodles with spinach, ricotta and garlic in a cast iron skillet.
Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Butternut squash noodles with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, ricotta, and parmesan. A one-pan veggie meal with big flavor and zero hassle.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Butternut Squash Noodles

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

One-pot turkey mac and cheese with spinach, peppers, and cheddar. Like a grown-up take on a childhood favorite, and it’s ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot bean soup made with dried bean mix in bowls.
Instant Pot Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot bean soup with a 13-bean and lentil mix in a hearty tomato base, plus kale stirred in. A simple, cozy vegan option that hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.

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